Twilight Stories
not part of a series
What’s inside...
A collection of enchanting tales set in the twilight hours, 'Twilight Stories' by Susan Coolidge weaves together a tapestry of narratives that explore the magic and mystery of dusk. Each story delves into the lives of different characters as they experience moments of reflection, transformation, and discovery in the soft glow of twilight. From gentle lessons of love and kindness to adventures that only occur as day turns to night, these stories capture the heartwarming essence of the time when the world is alight with the last rays of the sun. One hundred years' and one ago, in Boston, at ten of the clock one April night, a church steeple had been climbed and a lantern hung out. At ten, the same night, in mid-river of the Charles, oarsmen two, with passenger silent and grim, had seen the signal light out-swung, and rowed with speed for the Charlestown shore.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
132 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the adventures the characters went on? Which one was your favorite and why?
How did the characters' choices affect their journeys? Can you think of a time when you made a choice that changed something in your day?
How do the different settings in the story make you feel? Would you like to visit any of them?
What did you learn from the characters' friendship? How do you help your friends when they need you?
If you could add another adventure to the story, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions that prompt more than a yes/no answer to encourage deeper interaction.
Relate the book’s scenarios to your child’s own experiences to help them connect more personally with the story.
Discuss the emotions and motivations of characters to help them understand different perspectives.
Ask them to imagine alternative endings or additions to the story, nurturing their creativity and critical thinking.
Validate all responses to build confidence and foster a supportive environment for discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Twilight Stories often focus on characters from different backgrounds understanding each other's perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences in their peers, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The characters in Twilight Stories form strong bonds and work together to overcome challenges, highlighting the value of friendship.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build and maintain friendships, understanding the importance of cooperation and support.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Characters often confront scary or unfamiliar situations, demonstrating bravery and resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by bravely facing their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: Twilight Stories often delve into fantastical scenarios that require creative solutions from the characters.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination in problem-solving and expressing themselves through art or storytelling.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Many stories involve scenarios where characters must deal with the outcomes of their choices, good or bad.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think about the consequences before acting, fostering responsible decision-making.